Arsene Wenger has confirmed the return date of Theo Walcott. The 25 year old winger/striker has been out of the first team picture since January, 3rd after he injured his anterior cruciate ligament in a FA Cup match against Spurs.
Addressing the press after the members’ day event at the Emirates, the manager said about the flying winger thus:
“Theo Walcott is planned to come back into my group on 31st August, beginning of September at the latest:” le prof said at his presser.
He added further;”He is doing well but he is not completely ready. I would say he could play at the end of August.”
It only means the club is exercising caution with the recovery of Theo Walcott, especially against the backdrop that Radamel Falcao who was injured three weeks after Theo Walcott with a similar injury featured at the Emirates Cup this past weekend.
Aaron Ramsey had earlier tweeted a picture of Theo Walcott when he joined up with the warm up in training; it means he is in the final stages of his recovery from injury.
Theo Walcott was greatly missed by Arsenal last season after he got injured. Before his injury, he chipped in with 5 goals in 13 premier league appearances last season with a total of 18 appearances last season in all competitions.
His eminent return would further add much needed pace to Arsenal’s attack. It means the club’s fans would not have to wait long to see a line up including Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott, Oxlade Chamberlain, Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell, players that have enough pace to burn.
With Arsene Wenger expected to ease him back to first team action when he returns, it is thought that his appearances might be restricted to substitute appearances at the beginning.
In a nutshell, it means that by the end of September he should be fully integrated back into the first team picture, thereby giving Arsene Wenger more options in the final third. At such times, Alexis Sanchez would be expected to lead the attack with either Santi Cazorla or Oxlade Chamberlain in the left wing with Theo Walcott’s return to the right wing.
At age 25, and having being at Arsenal since January 2006, he is the most experience player currently in the Arsenal squad with a total of 194 league appearances and 53 European appearances for Arsenal with 45 goals scored in the league and 12 in Europe.
Not doubt, many Arsenal faithful would be looking to his runs down the right wing as well as his contributions on the scoring chart this season.
